ctrl + F | allowed in the test?

[Joseph_Alexander]

Hi all,

Would like to understand if the function control F (find) can be used in the test software such that one can search text in RC passages.

[David@VeritasPrep]

What a great idea!

In my opinion, the answer has to be "no!" Knowing where to look for key words a phrases is part of the deal on Reading Comp. The search function would undermine that.

In addition, the only tool that you use during the exam (except for AWA) is the mouse. So I am not even sure if any part of the keyboard is active.

But, just to verify you can ask GMAC. There is a part of the GMAT Strategy forum called "Ask the Test Maker" you can post your question there and get a response from GMAC.

[[email protected]]

Hi Joseph_Alexander,

I think David is correct. The computer "functionality" is rather limited on Test Day, so that the GMAT can truly test your skill set (and someone who is computer savvy wouldn't have an advantage). Even the AWA is severely limited - you have basic copy/cut/paste functions, but that's it.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[Joseph_Alexander]

Ctrl + F can't be used in the test. They have removed this feature. The response of the GMAC representative is available here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/ctrl-f-allow ... tml#719588

[[email protected]]

Hi Joseph_Alexander,

While not having this functionality might seem like a "bad thing", it's actually not. You'll now feel a greater need to take proper notes and pay attention to the details that matter in RC, which should lead to a stronger performance in that area of the Verbal. Only about half of your RC questions actually require you to go back and "hunt" down a piece of information; since the prompts themselves are generally not that long, finding a specific word or phrase isn't that difficult of a task (and shouldn't take to long to accomplish).

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich